The reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls marks more than the revival of a physical space—it signals a renewed push to position Filipino craftsmanship and design at the center of the country’s export narrative.
Formally reopened on January 15 at the International Trade Center Complex in Pasay City, the venue restores a legacy that dates back to 1979, when it was inaugurated as a permanent showcase for Philippine products.
Conceived under the stewardship of then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the halls were designed to give Filipino creativity a visible, credible platform for international buyers, initially focusing on garments before expanding to the broader export sector.
Years of neglect and shifting institutional priorities eventually left the complex in disrepair, culminating in its closure during the pandemic. Its rehabilitation brings the site back to relevance at a time when export promotion, branding, and cultural identity are once again converging as strategic priorities.
The refreshed halls now house a diverse range of products—from furniture, lighting, fashion, and textiles to home décor, gifts, and food—offering a curated, distinctly Filipino experience under one roof.
Beyond exhibitions, the facility is positioned as a functional trade hub, connecting local manufacturers to buyers, tourists, and official delegations, while also supporting product development and packaging services.
Institutionalized through Executive Order No. 75, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls strengthen the country’s export promotion infrastructure ahead of a crucial moment: the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship in 2026. With increased regional and global attention expected, the venue provides a ready-made platform to project Philippine design, quality, and identity.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the reopening, underscoring the administration’s intent to anchor economic diplomacy in culture and craftsmanship.
The halls’ return is both symbolic and practical for Filipino exporters—a reminder that global competitiveness often begins with how a nation tells its own story.
